“No One Is Bigger Than Game”: World Cup Winner Backs BCCI Over Contract Row

Former Indian cricket team pacer Madan Lal, who was part of the 1983 World Cup-winning team, has praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for terminating star duo Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer’s central contracts. While the BCCI didn’t reveal the reason behind the decision to axe Kishan and Iyer, reports have claimed that the board was not happy with the players after both decided to skip domestic games for their state teams, despite being cleared fit by the NCA. Lal lauded BCCI over the polarising move, saying that playing domestic cricket should be made compulsory for those who prioritise IPL over First Class matches.

“If the BCCI told them to play first-class cricket, they should have gone and played. No one is bigger than the game. The BCCI should be given the credit as they are making it mandatory to play first-class cricket. Most of the players nowadays are taking First-class cricket for granted because of the IPL. Definitely, the BCCI made a rule that every player should go and play First-class cricket. So if you don’t follow the rules, then they have to take some action and set an example for others,” Lal told Times of India.

Iyer had missed Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy quarterfinal last week after complaining of back stiffness. However, the NCA denied his claims, saying that the player was completely fit. Iyer was reportedly training at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s training camp.

Lal said that if a player is declared fit by NCA, he shouldn’t skip domestic matches.

“They have to play (first-class cricket) if they are fit. The main thing is fitness. If they are fit, then they can play the first-class season. But a good season in IPL can always be beneficial, and there is no doubt about their class. They have done so well here and there. But it is the BCCI making sure that the boys are disciplined,” he added.

After being left out of the contracts list, Iyer did turn up for Mumbai in their ongoing Ranji Trophy semi-final clash against Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Kishan too didn’t turn up for Jharkhand’s Ranji Trophy matches as he was in Baroda training with Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya ahead of the IPL.